Mindless computing

Abstract

Persuasive technologies aim to influence user’s behaviors. In order to be effective, many of the persuasive technologies de-veloped so far relies on user’s motivation and ability, which is highly variable and often the reason behind the failure of such technology. In this paper, we present the concept of Mindless Computing, which is a new approach to persuasive technology design. Mindless Computing leverages theories and concepts from psychology and behavioral economics into the design of technologies for behavior change. We show through a systematic review that most of the current persuasive technologies do not utilize the fast and automatic mental processes for behavioral change and there is an opportunity for persuasive technology designers to develop systems that are less reliant on user’s motivation and ability. We describe two examples of mindless technologies and present pilot studies with encouraging results. Finally, we discuss design guidelines and considerations for developing this type of persuasive technology.

Self-Control in Cyberspace

“…We start by outlining the basics of the underlying psychological research. In doing so, we extend current applications of dual system theories in DB-CIs [2,45,145,146] with the concept of 'expected value of control', which the neuroscience literature considers central in explaining why success at self-control fluctuates over time and with emotional state [28,77,82,156,167,186]. An overview of the resulting model is shown in Figure 1.…”

“…The core of dual systems theories is a major distinction between swift, parallel and non-conscious 'System 1' processes, and slower, capacity-limited and conscious 'System 2' processes [41,85,124,125,165,170,174]. 2 According to this model, System 1 control is driven by environmental inputs and internal states along with cognitive pathways that map the current situation to well-learned habits or instinctive responses [125]. Behaviour driven by System 1 is often called 'automatic', as it allows tasks to be initiated or performed without conscious awareness and with little interference with other tasks [134].…”

“…Two recent examples in HCI research illustrate such possible use of psychological theory in the design process: In the design and development of TimeAware, Kim et al were guided by work on differential sensitivity to gains vs losses, and found that their visualisation tool more effectively supported productivity when displaying time spent engaging with distracting rather than productive activities [90]. Similarly, based on dual systems theory, Adams et al [2] trialed ways of applying visual and auditory perception biases in design interventions to influence food choice and voice pitch. We hope our model may inspire designs that are similarly informed by psychological theory.…”

Revisiting personal information management through information practices with activity tracking technology

“…Researchers believe that these issues undermine the potential health benefits of longterm ATT use. Hence, researchers also focused on incorporating persuasive technology, a set of technologies designed to change a person's attitude or behavior, into ATT (Adams, Costa, Jung, & Choudhury, 2015;Consolvo et al, 2009;Halko & Kientz, 2010). Today's consumer-facing activity trackers, such as Fitbit and Apple Watch, have already implemented various persuasive technology designs including goal setting, feedback, and virtual rewards.…”

Sensing behavioral symptoms of mental health and delivering personalized interventions using mobile technologies

“…However, recently there has been an interesting line of research in the field of mobile technology that attempts to use subtle forms of feedback to elicit responses upon which the user does not have a full awareness of sometimes termed as nudging (Kahneman, 2011). The authors of the position paper demonstrate this in a ubiquitous computing setting which they call mindless computing , described as “a mobile or ubiquitous, persuasive technology designed to subtly influence the behavior of the user without requiring their conscious awareness” (Adams, Costa, Jung, & Choudhury, 2015). These authors demonstrate two proofs of concept studies that exploit subtle feedback in two sensory modes: audio and visual.…”